The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Sustainable City Project have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the operation of autonomous vehicles within the facilities of the project situated in Dubai Land, Al Qudra Road, starting from February 2018.

The step stems from the keenness of both parties to support Dubai Government strategy of converting 25 percent of public transport services to driverless means by 2030.

Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, CEO of Licensing Agency cum Deputy Chairman of Autonomous Vehicles Committee and Faris Saeed, CEO of Diamond Developers (Developer of The Sustainable City Project) signed the MoU at RTA head office.

"The MoU underscores RTA’s commitment to engage in partnerships with public and private sectors to realise its strategic, smart mobility objectives. It reflects the cooperation and partnership between the RTA and Sustainable City and supports the Smart City initiative as well as our government directives to transform 25 percent of public transport means into driverless transit modes by 2030. The MoU calls for studying the location of operating the autonomous vehicle in The Sustainable City project in Dubai Land, Al Qudra Road, and providing the infrastructure needed for the start of operation," added Al Ali.

Faris Saeed, said, "We are pleased with the enhanced strategic cooperation with the RTA in supporting the Dubai Government plan for transforming 25 percent of public transport means into driverless modes by 2030. The integrated efforts of public and private sectors, and the exchange of experiences in support of sustainable development that conserves the environment will serve the joint interests of making Dubai the best destination for living and business," he added.